Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Airbus Helicopters is unveiling the U145, an uncrewed version of the H145 light twin, this week at the ILA Berlin airshow. The U145 full-scale mockup at ILA will highlight the rotorcraft’s cargo-carrying capabilities, eliminating the cockpit and incorporating an integrated nose door, a foldable loading table, and a dedicated cargo floor.
To achieve uncrewed and autonomous flight, Airbus Helicopters is equipping the U145 with a specialized sensor suite and AI capabilities. Plans call for a first flight with a safety pilot on board at the end of 2026 and entry into service early in the 2030s.
The U145 will be Airbus Helicopters’ second uncrewed helicopter converted from a crewed version. The first is the VSR700, an uncrewed version of the piston-powered Guimbal Cabri G2.
A U.S. version of the U145 is also under development by Airbus U.S. Space &amp; Defense with partners Shield AI, L3Harris, and Parry Labs. This will be the MQ-72C, an autonomous variant of the Lakota UH-72B.
“With the U145, we are offering our customers an autonomous, uncrewed version of our H145 helicopter, combining the proven airframe, power, and useful load of the H145 with the autonomy of a UAS,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot. “To develop the U145 and its capabilities as a multi-mission UAS, we will be teaming up with leading autonomous mission partners to further expand the UAS ecosystem in Europe.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Airbus H145 Joining Uncrewed, Autonomous Helicopter Arena

First flight is expected at the end of 2026 and entry into service in the early 2030s

To achieve uncrewed and autonomous flight, Airbus Helicopters is equipping the U145 with a specialized sensor suite and AI capabilities.

Airbus H145 Joining Uncrewed Helicopter Arena

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany 

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance 

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In this article

Airbus Helicopters

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Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations

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Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

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Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

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Distributor will use the helicopter to introduce customers to its capabilities

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